Door constructions and interlocking extrusions for use therein



Nov. 19, 1963 E. J. DE RIDDER 3,111,203

DOOR CONSTRUCTIONS AND INTERLOCKING EXTRUSIONS FOR USE THEREIN Filed Nov. 2'7, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

ER N5 T daemons/2 TTORNEYS Nov. 19, 1963 E. .1. DE RIDDER 3,111,203

DOOR CONSTRUCTIONS AND INTERLOCKING EXTRUSIONS FOR USE THEREIN '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov.- 27, 1959 INVENTOR.

W ATTORNEYS Nov. 19, 1963 E. J. DE RIDDER 3,111,203

DOOR CONSTRUCTIONS AND INTERLOCKING EXTRUSIONS FOR USE THEREIN Filed Nov. 27, 1959 7 Sheets-Shet s FIGJI.

-Q W1 I26 /20 /8 9 I04- I f 57/ j INVENTOR.

m 1 Efi/VST d..De7?/DDEF /20 H8 BY ATTORNEYS Nov. 19, 1963 5 J. DE RIDDER DOOR CONSTRUCTIONS AND INTERLOCKING EXTRUSIONS FOR USE THEREIN Filed NOV. 27, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR ERNST J. De RIDDER ATTORNEYS Nov.'l9, 1963 E. .1. DE RIDDER 3,111,203

DOOR CONSTRUCTIONS AND INTERLOCKING EXTRUSIONS FOR USE THEREIN Filed Nov. 27, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIGJZ "if? j Fill/8.

INVENTOR ERNST J.De RIDDER my 7 MW ATTORNEYS Nov. 19, 1963 E- J. DE RIDDER 3,111,203

DOOR CONSTRUCTIONS AND INTERLOCKING EXTRUSIONS FOR USE THEREIN Filed Nov. 27, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 25 llllllll FIG. 21. 25

INVENTOR l ERNST J. De RIDDER l Ji Fig MORNEYS Nov. 19, 1963 E. J. DE RIDDER 3,111,203

DOOR CONSTRUCTIONS AND INTERLOCKING EXTRUSIONS FOR USE THEREIN 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed Nov. 27, 1959 INVENTOR ERNST J.de RIDDER ATTORNEY United States Patent D003 CUNSTRUCTIUNS AND INTERLOGKING EXIRUSIGNS FUR UEEE THEREIN Ernst 5. De Ridden, Richmond, Va, assignor to Reynolds Metals Company, fichmond, Va, a corporation of Delaware Fiied Nov. 27, E 59, Ser. No. 855,82i6

II (Iiainis. (ill. 189-34) An object of the present invention is to provide a strong and rigid door construction suitable for freight cars and consisting of extruded metal sections, preferably of aluminum alloy. The construction embodies top and base extruded elements and intermediate interlocking extruded elements, together with side channel extruded members, all providing for ease of assembly into a rigid structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved interlocking joint for extruded metal sections, which joint enables the sections to be readily and easily assembled, yet after assembly holds the sections in firm interlocking engagement against any movements transversely of the joint, i.e., the sections can be disassembled only by sliding relative endwise movement.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved interlocking joint of the above character for extruded metal sections, and wherein the sections, when assembled, define a hollow tubular configuration extending along the joint between the sections, such configuration having some of the characteristics of a box beam in order to lend strength to the joint and stifiness to the panel formed by the assembled sections.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved interlocking joint for extruded metal sections which define a corner when he sections are assembled.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Serial No. 801,964, filed March 25, 1959, which is a continuation of my application Serial No. 675,176, filed July 30, 1957, now abandoned.

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a view in front elevation of the assembled structure.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view in elevation showing the upper left hand corner of the structure shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a horizontal section taken on the line 33 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary View showing the upper right hand corner of the structure shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 is a horizontal section taken on the line 5-5 of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a somewhat enlarged perspective view, taken in vertical section on the line 6--6 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 7 is a view in perspective and partial section showing the lower left hand side frame member, base panel member and H-shaped connector.

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on the line 8-8 of FIGURE 6.

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on the line 9-9 of FIGURE 6.

FIGUE 10 is a fragmentary perspective View of a modified form of intermediate panel.

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged transverse section on the line 1111 of FIGURE 10.

FIGURE 12 is an enlarged transverse section on the line I2I2 of FIGURE 10.

FIGURE 13 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of a panel made up of extruded sections that are interlocked by means of an improved joint of the type shown in FIGURE 8.

3,111,203 Patented Nov. 19, 1963 FIGURE 14 is an enlarged fragmentary view of two of the sections shown in FIGURE 13 but illustrating an initial position assumed by the sections in the assembling operation.

FIGURE 15 is a View corresponding to FIGURE 14 but illustrating a further stage of the assembling operation.

FIGURE 16 is a fragmentary view, corresponding to FIGURE 13 but illustrating the use of the improved interlocking joint to define a corner.

FIGURE 17 is a view corresponding to FIGURE 16 but illustrating a modified form of a corner joint.

FIGURE 18 is a view corresponding to FIGURE 13 but illustrating a modified form of interlocking joint that essentially defines a box beam extending along the joint.

FIGURE 19 is an enlarged fragmentary view of two of the sections shown in FIGURE 18 but illustrating the position assumed by the sections at one stage of the assembling operation.

FIGURE 20 is an enlarged perspective view of an aircraft hangar door made up of extruded aluminum sections having interlocking joints of the type shown in FIGURE 18.

FIGURE 21 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing the upper right-hand corner of the door shown in FIGURE 20.

FIGURE 22 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view, with parts broken away, of the lower right-hand corner of the door shown in FIGURE 20.

FIGURE 23 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view, taken on the section line 23-23 of FIGURE 20.

FIGURE 24 is a perspective view of an enclosure made up of assembled extruded metal sections of the type shown in FIGURE 18.

FIGURE 25 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the forward corner of the enclosure shown in FIGURE 24 and illustrating a stage in the assembly of two of the sections that define such a corner.

FIGURE 26 is a view corresponding to FIGURE 25 but illustrating the corner sections in their fully assembled condition.

FIGURE 27 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on the line 2'7-27 of FIGURE 6.

The invention is characterized by the provision of two vertical side frame members 39 which tie between them a top element 32, a box-like base element 34 formed in two sections and an intermediate series of substantially identical panels 36 which interlock with each other and with the top and base elements, the side frame members being riveted or welded to the elements and panels to form a rigid combination.

eferring to FIGURES l to 9 of the drawings, the top element 32 consists of a major panel or body portion 38 having a slightly back-set top terminus 45) which carries a rearwardiy extending horizontal flange 42. At the base of terminus at is a forwardly extending flange or rib 44 having an inset vertical wall or depending flange 45. At the base of body portion 38 is a forwardly projecting flange or rib 46 merging into 2. depending Vertical wall or flange-like extension 48. The free edge of depending flange-like extension 48 is preferably inturned or beaded, as at 5-9 (FIGURE 8), and body portion 38 is extended a slight distance below flange 46 to define a nose portion or lip 52 having a convex surface opposed to the extension 43. The convex surface of the lip 52 merges at the base of the latter into a recess or groove 54 preferably having a curved bottom.

Interfitting with the convex surface and groove 54 of the lip 52 is a complementary groove and nose 56 configuration at the base of a forwardly extending rib 58 at the top of the body portion 60 of an underlying panel 35. The rib 53 fits flush against the rib 46 and has a depending extension 62 which is received snugly between the rib 4-5 and the bead St on theextension 48 and fits flush against the latter. In a sense, it will be seen that the rib 58 and extension 62 constitute a reversely-turned edge portion of the panel 36. The lower end of each panel 36 is formed with the same elements or configurations as carried on the lower edge of the top element 32 and hence the same reference characters have been applied thereto. Also, each panel 36 is preferably formed with an intermediate reinforcing L-shaped flange or rib 64. In accordance with the height of the door, the interlocking panels, as exemplified by panel 36, are repeated until the two-part base 34 of the door structure is reached.

The hollow base 34 consists of a back wall or panel portion 6e having at its bottom a forwardly extending base rib es which carries an upstanding front flange-like extension 70. At its top the back wall 65 carries a forwardly projecting flange or rib 72 at the rear of which rises a slightly forwardly offset extension 74 of the wall 66. Above the rib 72 the forward face of the extension 74 is provided with a horizontal thickened area or rib 76 formed with a groove-seat in its undersurface. The top of extension 74 is formed the same as the top of the panels 36, and interlocks with the immediately above panel 36 in the same manner. The hollow base 34 is completed by a front panel 78 the lower edge portion of which overlaps upstanding extension 74) of panel 66. Preferably, the overlapping portions of extension 70 and panel 78 are appropriately thinned or recessed on their opposed ides so that both sides of the extension 70 and panel 78 are flush with each other. The top of the panel 78 has an inturned flange or rib $43 which overlies the rib 72 and has an upstanding extension 82 disposed flush against the extension 74. The upper edge of the extension 82 fits snugly in the seat in the underside of the rib 76.

The right hand vertical frame member 30 is shown more particularly in section in FIGURES 9 and 5. It is a channel member which receives the ends of the top element 32 and panels 36 and which may secure such element and panels in position by any desired securing means, as by rivets 84, FIGURE 5. However, the hollow base 34- is connected to the right hand vertical frame member 30 by an H-connector 86 secured to the vertical frame member by rivets 88, as shown in FIGURE 6, or by welding if desired.

The left-hand vertical frame member 30 is shown best in FIGURE 7, and is substantially the same as the right hand frame member 30, butreversed in direction. It also receives an H-connector as for the hollow base 34 of the structure, and, as shown in FIGURE 3, it receives the top element 32 and intermediate panels 36 in the same manner as does the right-hand frame member 30.

In the modified panel structure 90 shown in FIGURES to 12 inclusive, it will be understood that the lower end of a top element for use therewith will be formed in the manner shown in the cross section part of FIGURE 12 and at the right-hand side of FIGURE 10. Each panel 90 has a body portion 92 along the lower edge of which is an outwardly extending slightly downwardly inclined rib 94 merging into a depending extension 96 which will lie vertically. Extension 23 terminates with an inturned nose or lip 93 having a convex inner surface facing the rib 94. The extension 96 also is formed with an inner rib 109 the surface of which is concavely rounded at that area directly opposite nose 98. Preferably, the opposed rounded surfaces of the lip g8 and rib 101 have a common center of curvature as described more in detail in my copending application Serial No. 830,586. The lower edge of the panel 94) also is formed with a slightly outwardly offset extension or leg 102 having a hooked shaped end 104, and body portion 92 slightly projects behind leg 162 to provide an inclined abutment at 106.

The top of each panel it? to be interlocked with the modified lower end of each panel 99 will be formed as shown in section in FIGURE 11 and at the left-hand side of FIGURE 10. It will have an outwardly extending upwardly inclined rib res, projecting from its body portion 92 below the top thereof. Near its top, rib 168 will merge into a normally vertical extension 1159 which carries an inwardly directed flange-like rib 112 having a surface opposed and complementary to the rounded surface of the rib fit). At the juncture of the rib 1% with its extension 11f is a groove I14 complementary to and for the reception of the lip 93. Preferably, the inner side wall 116 of the groove lid is undercut, as shown, and the center of curvature of the curved wall of the groove and the curved outer surface of the rib 112 is at the junction of the undercut wall of the groove with the outer surface of the rib NS, for reasons described more in detail in the abovementioned copending application, Serial No. 830,- 586. Beyond the rib 1%, the body portion 92 is provided with an extension 118 which terminates in an inclined edge so as to abut the inclined abutment i636 when the panels are assembled. The extension 111% is formed with an outwardly extending ridge 12 .9 to be engaged by hook I94.

The intermediate panels 94 that is to say those underlying the top element will have the same top and bottom formataions, and one of said intermediate panels is shown in FIGUR 10, the interlocking ends being the same as those of FIGURE 11 and FIGURE 12.

It will be understood that the hollow base 34- of the door is adapted for internal mounting of rollers, as schematically indicated at 122, FIGURE 1, and means when used, for raising and lowering the rollers according to known mechanism for that purpose.

Fundamentally, the construction consists of a frame composed of the side members 30 and the top and bottom members 32 and 34, between which and interlocked therewith, and to themselves are the panel strips 36.

In assembling the structure of FIGURE l, the top flange 89 of member '7 of the hollow ease 34 is brought in an outward and upward incline against flange 72 of the coacting member 66, and then swung down until the upper edge of the extension 82 enters the bottom groove of rib 76, and the lower portion of the inner face of member 78 will abut upstanding extension 79. Assembly of the intermediate panel strips 35 is simple, as shown in FIG- URE 8 with respect to top element 32 and the underlying panel strip 36. The lip 52 of top element 32 is placed in register with the groove underlying nose 56 at the top of member 36 and with the top element rearwardly inclined. The top element 32 is then moved to vertical position so that the ribs 46 and 58 abut one another. In this connection, it will be seen that if the elements 32 and 36 are thus pivoted into interlocking engagement, the extension 62 will ride over the bead or inturned edge 59 on the extension 48 with one or the other of the parts yielding slightly, until the edge of the extension 62 snaps into place behind the bead with a latch-like action and locks the parts together.

The above assembling operation is the same with re spect to the respective intermediate panel strips 36 of FIGURE 6, which are brought into interlocking engage ment with each other and with base member 34, as the case may be. In completing the assembly the vertical frame members 30 are brought into position and welded or riveted to the panel portion 38 of the top element 32 and/ or its front flange 45, and to the panel strips 36 and their vertical walls.

When the H-connectors 8-6 are used, the base wall mem bers 66, 78 can be held in the assembly without welding or riveting, inasmuch as such connection will be via said connectors.

In assembling the structure with the modified interlock of FIGURES 10 to 12, it will be understood that the top of base wall 66 and that of each intermediate panel 9% will be formed as shown in cross-section FIGURE 11, and that the bottom of the top element and of each of the intermediate panels 96 will be formed as shown in dottedlines in that figure. In bringing the members or sections into interlocking position, as exemplified in FIGURE 11, the lip 93 is placed in the complementary groove 114 at the outer edge of rib 1% in the panel 311, with the upper member outwardly inclined. Then the upper memher is moved to the vertical so that the hook 194 will ride over and latch with the ridge 129 to interlock the parts as shown in FIGURES 11 and 12 and provide a box beam effect. When the members for interlocking are closely fitted, compensation will be given by required slight spring action of the parts.

In both forms of interlock, a latch-like arrangement is provided for holding the sections against relative pivotal movement either forwardly or rearwardly when the assembly is held in vertical position. The side frame members 3% a so hold the elements vertical against relative hinging action, but they are not required to be major strain-resisting elements.

It will be seen that in a sense the rib l6 and extension 48 together with the lip 52 of the interlocked joint shown in FIGURES 6 and 8, define a channel-like configuration having one of its side walls undercut by the groove The rib 53 and its extension 62 together with the nose 56 may be considered to be a reversely-turned portion or a tongue-like configuration which is complementary to and adapted to interfit with the aforementioned channellike configuration. The same terminology may also be applied to portions of the interlocked joint illustrated in FIGURES 11 and 12, wherein a channel-like configuration is defined by the extension as, rib 1&1) and lip 98, and a tongue-like configuration is defined by the extension 110 and rib 112. it also will be seen that the inturned bead 58 of the FIGURE 8 construction and the ridge 120 of the FIGURE 11 construction can be con sidered to be ridge-like latch-keeper means, while the extension 62 and the leg 1&2 and book 1114 may be considered to be tongue-like latch-catch means.

Referring now to FIGURES 13-15, there is shown an improved version of an interlocking joint of the type shown in FIGURES 6 and 8. As an example, there is shown in FIGURE 13 a portion of a wall or a panel, which might constitute a ceiling, a side Wall, a roof, 2! floor, etc., made up of interlocked extruded sections 136, preferably of aluminum, in accordance with this invention. In this modification, each extruded section 139 has a main panel-like body portion 132 which may have a plane, substantially-uninterrupted surface 134 on one side thereof, and which may be provided on the other side thereof with one or more 'f-shaped integral stifiening ribs 136. Along one side edge of the ma dy portion 132 of each section there is provided, opposite plane surface 134 of the main body portion, an outwardly extending integral flange or rib 1138 having a flange-like extension 141 on its outer end. The extension 14 3 is disposed at substantially a right angle to the rib 138 and extends outwardly thereof. The extension 14-9 is provided, on that side thereof facing the main body portion 132 and spaced from the rib 138, with a ridge 142. The inner side 14-4 of the ridge 142 preferably is flat and disposed at substantially 90 to the extension as shown best in FIGURES 14 and 15.

The main body portion 132 of each section 13 is extended somewhat outwardly beyond the rib 138 to form what may be termed a lip 145 that overhangs the outer side of the rib 13%. Preferably, one side of the lip 1-16 is provided with a list surface 148 constituting an extension of the plane surface 134 of the main body portion 132. The other side of the lip 146 is provided with a convexly curved surface 159 opposed to the extension and which merges, at its inner side, into a rounded groove 152 that, in turn, merges with the outer surface of the rib 133. The terminal edge 15d of the flat outer surface 148 of the lip 1% is set back or terminates short of the terminus of the lip and, preferably, the radius of curvature of the convexly curved surface 15% of the lip 6 is at said edge 154 for reasons set forth in detail in my aforementioned copending application Serial No. 830,586.

The other edge portion of each section 13% or the edge portion of a section to be interlocked with the aforedescribed edge portion which includes the lip 14s, is provided with an integral rib 156 extending from that side thereof opposite the plane surface 134 of the main body portion 132. The rib 1:36 is provided, at its outer end, with a reversely-turned flange-like extension 1:73 terminating in a square edge. The width of the extension is equal to the spacing between the fiat side 144 of the ridge 142 and the opposed side of the rib 138 and the extension 15% is adapted to fit snugly against the inner side of the extension 14% When two sections 1319 are assembled, as shown in FIGURE 13. At the junction between the main body portion 132 of the section and the rib 156, i.e., at the corner therebetween, there is provided a groove in; extending along such junction. The groove 16?. is substantially complementary to and adapted to snugly receive the lip on the other section. In this connection, it will be seen that the inner side wall 164 of the groove 162 is undercut so as to snugly receive that portion of the lip 146 which projects forwardly or outwardly of the edge 15 4 and that the inner side wall 164 intersects an outer plane surface 1&5 which constitutes a continuation of the plane surface 134 of the section. It also will be seen that the outer side wall of the groove 162 merges smoothly into a rounded nose portion 163 adapted to snugly interfit within the groove 152 adjacent the base of the lip 146 and the rib 138.

in assembling two sections the lip 146 on one is partially engaged within the groove 162 on the other with the main body portions 132 of the two sections inclined relative to each other as shown in FIGURE 14. The sections are then relatively rotated about the aforementioned partial engagement to bring the planar surfaces 134 of the two sections into a coplanar relation as shown in FIGURE 13. As the two sections 139 are rotated into interlocking engagement, it will be seen that the outer portion of the reversely-turned extension 158 on the one section will contact and ride over the ridge 142 on the other, with one or the other of the sections yielding slightly or deflecting until the outer end of the extension 153 snaps down behind the ridge 142. In this position of the sections, the square edge 166 abuts the flat surface 144 and firmly interlocks the sections 1319 against disengagement except by end-wise relative sliding movement.

All of the confronting surfaces of the edge portions of the sections 13% making up the joint are complementary and conform with each other so as to make a very tight joint that is resistant to the passage of liquids therethrough. Additionally, because of the interlocking configurations of the edge portions of the two sections, it will be seen that the joint will not be opened by the imposition of any loads thereon which tend to separate the two sections, except, as previously mentioned, loads which tend to slide the two interlocked sections endwise relative to each other. Because of the extended area of contact between two interlocked sections, however, the frictional resistance to any such endwise sliding will be extremely high and suflicient to resist any such relative movement except that occasioned by extremely high forces. The structural proportions of various parts of the joint between two sections 13% control the ease with which two sections can be interlocked. For example, it is preferred that the wall thickness of the ribs 138 and res be relatively thin as compared with that of the extensions 1411 and 158, so that one or the other of the ribs 138 and 156 will yield or deflect slightly as the extension 158 rides over the ridge 142 during the interlock' ig operation.

As mentioned heretofore, in a sense, it can be considered that the lip 145, rib 13-8, and extension Mil deline a channel which extends along one edge portion of a section 139 and has an undercut side wall defined by the convex surface 159 of the lip and by the groove 52. Likewise, the groove 1 52, rib 155, and extension 158 on an edge portion of another section can be said to define a reversel -turned poi n complementary to the channel. It also will be see .nat the joint between two interlocked sections lot: ..-as a latch arrangement to prevent reverse unlocking relative pivotal movement between the sections, the ridge 142 and its fiat surface 144 constituting a latch-keeper and the extension and its fiat end 1-53 constituting a tonguedike latch catch.

A joint of the type shown in FIGURES 13-15 may also be employed to interconnect two panel-like sections to form a corner joint. Thus, for example, and as shown in FIGURE 16, a body portion 17b of a section 172, having a substantially pla-e uninterrupted surface 174 on one side thereof, may have along one edge a rib 176 projecting from the oil er side of the section. The rib 17% substantially corr ponds to the extension 14% of the embodiment of Pi is provided, along its outer end, with a ridge corresponding to the ridge 142. Outwardly beyond the rib 17s the edge portion defines a coplanar extension 18 3* of the main body portion 1":2 that terminates in an inturned lip 182 that is opposed to the rib 176 and corresponds in substantially all respects to the lip of the embodiments of FIGURES 13-15. edge portion of a section 134 to be interlocked with the section 172 is provided with a rib 186, a reversely-turned extension and with a groove 1% corresponding, in substantially all respects, to the rib 15%, extension 153, and groove 1&2 of the embodiment of FlGURES l3-15. When the two sections 172 and 184 shown in 16 are interlocked, it will be seen that they form a smooth 90 corner between two outer surfaces that are plane and substantially uninterrupted. In this connection, it will further be seen that the outer side of the lip 18?. is provided with a plane surface portion E2 that, when the sections 1'72. and 184 are assembled, is substantially flush with the plane outer surface portion 1% of the section 184 adjacent the undercut side wall of the groove 19%.

The modification of FIGURE 16 is susceptible to even further variation to provide a joint between two plane uninterrupted interior surfaces. In this modification, shown in FIGURE 17, the position of the lip and of the rib on one section are substantially reversed from that shown in FIGURE 16, as respects the edge portion of the section. In this arrangement the edge portion of a section 196 is provided, short of the terminal edge thereof, with a lip 198, while the edge portion is extended outwardly beyond the lip 198 to define a coplanar extension 200 of the main body portion 2 32 of the section 196. The extension 2% terminates in a rib opposed to the convexly curved surface 2th? of the lip 19 3. The rib 2% is provided with a ridge 2% corresponding to the ridge 178 of the embodiment of FIGURE 16. The edge portion of the other section 2.1 is identical to that of the section 189 of FIGURE 16.

It wil lbe noted that in all of the embodiments of FIGURES 13-17, the edge portion configurations are basically the same, but that the lip, and its corresponding opposed flangedike element, i.e., a rib or a rib extension, are disposed in various relations with respect to the main body portion of a section.

Referring now to FIGURES l8 and 19, there is shown another modified form of interlocking joint embodying this invention and similar, in some respects, to the joint shown in FIGUPES 10-12. In this modification each extruded section 219 has a main body portion 212 preferably provided, on one side thereof, with an uninterrupted plane surface 214. A section to be interlocked with another is provi ed, along one edge portion, with a rib 216 extending from that side of the section opposite its plane surface 214. The rib 216 may be somewhat outwardly inclined, as shown. Beyond the rib 216 the edge portion of the section is extended to define a lip 21S sirnilar in all respects to the lip disclosed in the embodiment of ElGUl-RES 13-15, i.e., provided with a convexly rounded surface 22 overhanging the outer side the rib 216 and also with an undercut portion or groove 1-22. A Lange 22 1 projects from the rib 216 and has a concavely curved surface 226 opposed to the convex surface 221? of the lip 218. The center of curvature of the surface 22:; of the flange 224, and of the sur- 21"; of the lip 213 preferably are the same, as disclosed in my aforementioned copending application,

erial No. 830,586. An edge portion of the other section is provided with a rib 228 having a reversely-turned extension 23% provi ed with a convexly curved surface complementary to the surface 226 of the flange 224. The portion of the other section likewise is pro vided with a groove 23d substantially complementary con. rrning to the undersurface 220 of the lip 218.

The rib on the first section preferably is flat, extends beyond the flange 224, and is provided, at its outer end or edge, with a flange-like extension 236 substantially parallel to the main body portion 212 of the first section.

The extension 236 is provided, along its other edge, with still another extension 238 inclined back, at an angle opposite that of the rib 2-16, toward the plane of the main body portion Extending along the inner side of the free edge of the extension 238, i.e., opposite the lip 21%, is a ridge 2 3* having a substantially flat inner side 242 disposed generally perpendicular to the plane of the extension 23?; and having a curved or bevelled outer side 24-4, as shown best in FIGURE 19. The other section also is provided with a ridge 2% extending in spaced parallel relation to the rib That side of the ridge 24s opposite 1.13 rib 228 is undercut to define a plane abutment surce (EZGURE 19) adapted to cooperate with the flat or abutment surface 242. of the ridge 240. The remaining surface of the undercut portion preferably is complementary to the curved surface 244 of the ridge 240 for the snug reception thereof. Preferably, the ridge 244 is rounded or bevelled, as at 250, outwardly beyond the undercut portion, as shown in FIGURE 19.

Two sections embodying an interlocking joint as shown in FIGURE 18 are assembled in the same manner as are the sections shown in FIGURES l4 and 15, namely by first partially engaging te lip 21% within the groove 2.34 with the two sections 210 inclined relative to each other, and then relatively rotating the two sections into a substantially coplanar position of interlocking engagement. As the sections 21% are rotated toward their position of interlocked engagement shown in FIGURE 18, it will be seen that the ridges 240 and 246 will engage and ride over each other, with the extension 238 yielding slightly, until the ridge 2443 snaps into the undercut portion of the ridge 2% so that the abutment surfaces 242 and 248 are in opposed interlocking engagement and thus prevent reverse pivotal unlocking movement of the two sections. In a sense, the ridge 24-6, together with its abutment surface 243, constitutes a latch keeper, while the extensions 2.36 and 233 and the ridge 2 .0, together with its abutment surface i2 and bevelled outer surface 244, constitute a tongue-like latch catch.

it will be seen that when two sections embodying the joint of FIGURES 18 and 19 are interlocked, the rib 216 and its extensions 2% and 238 on one section, together with the edge portion of the other section, define a hollow tubular configuration extending along the joint between the two sections. The tubular configuration is made up of four flat sides and, in many respects, possesses some of the characteristics of a box beam to greatly strengthen stiffen, and reinforce a panel or wall made up of the interlocked sections.

An example of an actual use of an assembly of extruded aluminum sections embodying the interlocked joint of FIGURES 1S and 19 is shown in FIGURES 20-23. In this actual embodiment sections have been assembled to form a large door 252, of the order of 18 feet wide by 30 feet high, for an aircraft hangar. The sections are about 6 inches on centers and extend the entire height of the door. Because of the large size of the door 252, designed to withstand wind velocities of the order of 100 m.p.h., it is desirable that certain of the sections be provided with stiffening means in addition to those formed by the box beam effect of the interlocked joints between adjacent sections. Thus, as shown in FIGURE 23, certain intermediate sections 254 may be provided, on that side thereof opposite their ribs 215, with an integral T- shaped stiffener flange 256. It also is desirable that the sides of the door 252 be appropriately finished off by substantially L-shaped integral stiffening and finishing flanges 258 that project from the side sections 264 of the door in the same direction as the flanges 256. The top of the door 252 is finished off simply by a channel-shaped cap 262 of extruded aluminum that is welded or otherwise suitably secured to the top of the door. The bottom of the door 252 is finished off by an inverted channel-shaped element 264 of extruded aluminum having the web 265 thereof welded, or otherwise suitably secured, to the bottom ends of the several interlocked sections. Preferably, the rear wall 268 of the channel 264- is extended upwardly into overlapping relation with the back of the assembled sections.

Referring now ot FIGURES 24-27, there is shown a further example of the use of an assembly of extruded metal sections interlocked by joints of the type shown in FIGURES 18 and 19. In this embodiment, the sections have been assembled to form the side walls 270 of an electrical enclosure 272 having smooth substantially uninterrupted interior surfaces. At at least one corner of the enclosure 272, the terminal edge portion of the end section 274 of one side wall 271) is provided with an inwardly facin channel 276 having outwardly divergent sidewalls 278 and 286 and an inturned lip 282 at the upper edge of the outer side wall 28%). At the junction between the inner side wall 27 8 of the channel 276 and the main body portion 28-;- of the section 274, there is provided a short rib 236 constituting, essentially, an extension of the inner side wall 273. The rib 2% is provided with a ridge 23% facing the inturned lip 282. The terminal edge portion of the end section 299 of the other side wall 279 of the enclosure at the corner is provided with a reverselyturned portion 292 substantially complementary to and adapted to fit snugly within the channel 276. At the junction between the reversely-turned portion 292 and the main body portion 294 of the section 299, there is provided a groove 2% complementary to and for the snug reception of the ridge 288 on the rib 286.

it will be seen that after the side walls 270 of the enclosure 272 have been assembled with interlocked extruded sections, the end sections 274 and 2% at one corner of the enclosure will be positioned as shown in FIGURE 25, with the rover eiy-turned portion 292 partially engaged within the channel 276. Thereupon, the reversely-turned portion 222 can be passed or forced linearly completely within the channel 276, with the latter either spreading somewhat or with the reversely-turned portion either contracting somewhat, until the latter rides by the lip 232 and the ridge 288 and snaps outwardly therebehind into locking engagement as shown in FIG- URE 26. This corner interlock is advantageous in assembling an enclosure where it is substantially impossible to assemble two sections to form a corner by pivotal interlocking movement.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made in the form and arrangement of the elements constituting the embodiments shown without departing from the spirit of the invention. Thus at the areas where two parts are interlocked, one with a groove and one with a nose, for example, these elements obviously can be reversed as to the parts which carry them.

I claim:

1. A set comprising at least two extruded sections having panel-like main body portions provided on one side thereof with substantially flat surfaces terminating in solid edge portions devoid of hollows and provided with generally complementary profile configurations adapted to be assembled into interlocking engagement to form at least a portion of a panel having a substantially flat and uninterrupted surface portion on one side thereof at the joint between said sections, said edge portion of a first of said sections being provided with a channel extending therealong and having the inner side of one of its side walls provided with an undercut portion, the outer side of said one side wall being provided with a flat surface portion adapted to form a part of said panel surface portion when said sections are assembled, said edge portion of a second of said sections being provided with a reversely-turned portion generally complementary to and adapted to interfit within said channel in engagement with both of its side walls, said second section edge portion also being provided with a flat surface portion adjacent the base of said reversely-turned portion and adapted to form a part of said panel surface portion when said sections are assembled, the construction and arrangement of said edge portions being such that said reversely-turned portion can be partially engaged within said channel with said flat surface portions of said sections tilted relative to each other and then said sections relatively rotated about such partial engagement into a position wherein said flat surface portions of said sections are generally coplanar with the terminal edges of said flat surface portions in substantially abutting relation and said sections are in interlocking engagement against relative translational movement normal to said edge portions, and said edge portions of said sections being provided with latch means adapted to be engaged, when said sections are in interlocking engagement, for restraining the latter against unlocking reverse relative rotation, said latch means including a ridgelike keeper element extending along said edge portion of one of said sections and a tongue-like catch element extending along said edge portion of the other of said sections, that portion of said edge portions which carries at least one of said elements being resilient so that said one element can ride over the other and snap into latching engagement therewith as said sections are relatively rotated into interlocking engagement.

2. The structure defined in claim 1 in which said inner side of said one side wall of the first section channel has a convexly-curved surface opposed to the other side wall and partly defining the undercut portion, and the reverselyturned portion of the second section has a concavelycurved surface complementary to and adapted for snug engagement with said convexly-curved surface when said sections are interlocked.

3. The structure defined in claim 1 in which the keeper element is disposed on said inner side of said other side Wall of the channel in spaced relation to the bottom thereof, and the catch element is defined by the free end of the reversely-turned portion.

4. The structure defined in claim 1 in which the fiat surface on one side of the first and second sections includes the flat surface portion of the corresponding one of said sections.

5. The structure defined in claim 1 in which both side Walls of the channel project from the other side of the first section with the flat surface portion on said one channel side wall intersecting and forming a corner with said flat surface of said first section, in which the flat surface side of the second section includes the flat surface portion of said second section, and in which the reverselyturned portion projects from the other side of said second section.

6. The structure defined in claim 1 in which both side walls of the channel project from the other side of the first section with the outer side of the other channel side wall intersecting and forming a corner with said fiat surface on one side of said first section, in which the flat surface on one side of the second section includes the fiat surface portion on said second section, and in which the reversely-turned portion projects from the other side of said second section.

7. The structure defined in claim 1 in which the flat surface on one side of the first and second sections includes the flat surface portion of the corresponding one of said sections, the keeper element projects from the other side of said second section in spaced relation to the reversely-turned portion, and the catch element is disposed on the free end of an extension projecting from the outer side of the other side wall of said channel on said first section, said edge portions of said sections including said extension, when assembled, defining a hollow tubular configuration extending along the joint between said sections.

8. The structure defined in claim 1 in which the channel is formed on the end portion of a rib projecting from the other side of the first section, and the reversely-turned portion is formed on the end portion of a rib projecting from the other side of the second section, said edge portions of said sections including said ribs, when assembled, defining a hollow tubular configuration extending along the joint between said sections.

9. A set comprising at least two extruded sections having panel-like main body portions provided on one side thereof with substantially flat surfaces terminating in edge portions provided with generally complementary profile configurations adapted to be assembled into interlocking engagement to form at least a portion of a panel having a substantially fiat and uninterrupted surface portion on one side thereof at the joint between said sections, a first of said sections having along its edge portion an integral rib projecting from the other side of said first section, a solid lip disposed generally in the plane of said main body portion of said section and overhanging the outer side of said rib, and a flange-like extension on said rib opposed to 'said lip, said lip being provided with a convexlycurved surface opposed to said extension and partially defining a groove adjacent the base of said lip, a second of said sections being provided along its edge portion with a groove and a nose portion generally complementary to and adapted for interfitting engagement with said lip and groove on said first section, said second section also being provided along its edge portion with a rib projecting from the other side of said section and having a rearward flangelike extension adapted to engage against the inner side of said extension on said first section rib when said sections are assembled, the construction and arrangement of said edge portions being such that said lip may be partially engaged in said groove on said second section with said main body portions of said sections inclined relative to each other and then said sections relatively rotated about such partial engagement into a position wherein said flat surfaces of said sections are substantially coplanar with the terminal edges of said flat surfaces in substantially abutting relation and said sections are in interlocked engagement against relative translational movement normal to said edge portions, said edge portions of said sections being provided with latch means adapted to be engaged when said sections are assembled for restraining the latter against unlocking reverse relative rotation, said latch means including a ridge-like keeper element extending along said edge portion of one of said sections and a tongue-like catch element extending along said edge portion of the other of said sections, that portion of said edge portion which carries at least one of said elements being resilient so that one of said elements can ride over the other and snap into latching engagement therewith as said sections are relatively rotated into interlocking engagement.

10. The structure defined in claim 9 in which the keeper element is disposed on the inner side of the rib extension on the first section, and the catch element is defined by the free end of the rib extension on the second section.

11. The structure defined in claim 9 in which the keeper element projects from the other side of the second section in spaced relation to the rib thereon, and the catch element is disposed on the free end of a second extension on the first section rib, said edge portions of said sections, when assembled, defining a hollow tubular configuration extending along the joint between said sections.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,706,924 Kane Mar. 26, 1929 1,913,342 Schaffert June 6, 1933 2,180,317 Davis Nov. 14, 1939 FOREIGN PATENTS 799,166 Great Britain Aug. 6, 1958 

1. A SET COMPRISING AT LEAST TWO EXTRUDED SECTIONS HAVING PANEL-LIKE MAIN BODY PORTIONS PROVIDED ON ONE SIDE THEREOF WITH SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT SURFACES TERMINATING IN SOLID EDGE PORTIONS DEVOID OF HOLLOWS AND PROVIDED WITH GENERALLY COMPLEMENTARY PROFILE CONFIGURATIONS ADAPTED TO BE ASSEMBLED INTO INTERLOCKING ENGAGEMENT TO FORM AT LEAST A PORTION OF A PANEL HAVING A SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT AND UNINTERRUPTED SURFACE PORTION ON ONE SIDE THEREOF AT THE JOINT BETWEEN SAID SECTIONS, SAID EDGE PORTION OF A FIRST OF SAID SECTIONS BEING PROVIDED WITH A CHANNEL EXTENDING THEREALONG AND HAVING THE INNER SIDE OF ONE OF ITS SIDE WALLS PROVIDED WITH AN UNDERCUT PORTION, THE OUTER SIDE OF SAID ONE SIDE WALL BEING PROVIDED WITH A FLAT SURFACE PORTION ADAPTED TO FORM A PART OF SAID PANEL SURFACE PORTION WHEN SAID SECTIONS ARE ASSEMBLED, SAID EDGE PORTION OF A SECOND OF SAID SECTIONS BEING PROVIDED WITH A REVERSELY-TURNED PORTION GENERALLY COMPLEMENTARY TO AND ADAPTED TO INTERFIT WITHIN SAID CHANNEL IN ENGAGEMENT WITH BOTH OF ITS SIDE WALLS, SAID SECOND SECTION EDGE PORTION ALSO BEING PROVIDED WITH A FLAT SURFACE PORTION ADJACENT THE BASE OF SAID REVERSELY-TURNED PORTION AND ADAPTED TO FORM A PART OF SAID PANEL SURFACE PORTION WHEN SAID SECTIONS ARE ASSEMBLED, THE CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT OF SAID EDGE PORTIONS BEING SUCH THAT SAID REVERSELY-TURNED PORTION CAN BE PARTIALLY ENGAGED WITHIN SAID CHANNEL WITH SAID FLAT SURFACE PORTIONS OF SAID SECTIONS TITLED RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER AND THEN SAID SECTIONS RELATIVELY ROTATED ABOUT SUCH PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT INTO A POSITION WHEREIN SAID FLAT SURFACE PORTIONS OF SAID SECTIONS ARE GENERALLY COPLANAR WITH THE TERMINAL EDGES OF SAID FLAT SURFACE PORTIONS IN SUBSTANTIALLY ABUTTING RELATION AND SAID SECTIONS ARE IN INTERLOCKING ENGAGEMENT AGAINST RELATIVE TRANSLATIONAL MOVEMENT NORMAL TO SAID EDGE PORTIONS, AND SAID EDGE PORTIONS OF SAID SECTIONS BEING PROVIDED WITH LATCH MEANS ADAPTED TO BE ENGAGED, WHEN SAID SECTIONS ARE IN INTERLOCKING ENGAGEMENT, FOR RESTRAINING THE LATTER AGAINST UNLOCKING REVERSE RELATIVE ROTATION, SAID LATCH MEANS INCLUDING A RIDGELIKE KEEPER ELEMENT EXTENDING ALONG SAID EDGE PORTION OF ONE OF SAID SECTIONS AND A TONGUE-LIKE CATCH ELEMENT EXTENDING ALONG SAID EDGE PORTION OF THE OTHER OF SAID SECTIONS, THAT PORTION OF SAID EDGE PORTIONS WHICH CARRIES AT LEAST ONE OF SAID ELEMENTS BEING RESILIENT SO THAT SAID ONE ELEMENT CAN RIDE OVER THE OTHER AND SNAP INTO LATCHING ENGAGEMENT THEREWITH AS SAID SECTIONS ARE RELATIVELY ROTATED INTO INTERLOCKING ENGAGEMENT. 